OFFBEAT MAIL

CNN Anchor Lou Dobbs seems to be myopic when it comes to analysing the statements made by presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, when she suggested to the federal government to increase the H1B visas from a low level to about 115,000 per year. No matter how he espoused to stop any attempt by legislators to increase H1B visas is already in the hands of the federal government as to whether it is appropriate to do it or not. After all, the ball is in the hands of the federal government at the expense of the corporate world's business interests. If private corporations can cut down overhead costs by importing cheaper foreign immigrant labor, it is their prerogative and not for the media or anybody to decide in their behalf. Perhaps, some of us may have failed to realize that what is happening right now in the nation's labor market is the effects of globalization. If many Americans were affected by this dilemma, there's nothing to blame than globalization itself. Why would corp...

Why would someone pull a trigger on anyone who is only trying to follow the dictates of his heart? The case of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is no exception. After news reports came out in the papers that he's having a secret affair with a Hispanic TV newscaster, it seemed nobody wants to get close to mayor anymore. And as if he has done something terrible that calls for people to rise up against what he did. If falling in love for someone the second time was the choice taken by the mayor, what's wrong with that? If his only mistake is to woe the heart of a woman he feels got his attention, why not? After all, the mayor like those others in public service, is just a rational man who has the tendency of finding happiness in another woman's lap, so be it. Was it impossible for a vegetable multi-millionaire to tie the knot with the late playboy mate Anna Nicole Smith? Whatever the good mayor does at the moment is just fine with anybody else, unless dirty or suspicious...

East Asia has shocked the world when at least 10 of the region's emerging economies have showed significant economic growth, registering at 8.1 percent last year, the strongest so far recorded by the World Bank in the past 10 years. This means that the region's impoverished sector has constricted, as against previous figures recorded prior to the financial crisis that hit the region in July 1997 that caused many share prices to tumble as portfolio investments sagged, in favor of other more stable markets outside the region. Independent economists said this positive development was never expected as the region is still reeling from the impacts of the financial crisis. But this time, the region is much wealthier than ever before, confirms the World Bank's East Asia & Pacific Update, emailed to this writer. Despite this, they have expressed worry that along with this success comes the many challenges for countries that are avoiding the middle income trap, says the bank...

Many poor citizens of Third World countries are always praying that their quality of life be alleviated into a level that would allow them to make both ends meet. At least, many of them are hoping, too, that they could eat three square meals per day and that they are able to survive the dog-eat-dog competition that put many poor countries at a disadvantaged position in so far as economies of scale are concerned. But no matter what they do, and how hard they toil each day, fulfillment of their dreams is far from reality. And some of those who can no longer resist the temptations are forced to do what they think is right in order to survive, even at the expense of trafficking their children in exchange for money or favors. Human trafficking is the world's third largest criminal enterprise. The U.S. Justice Department estimated that this crime generates US$9.5 billion a year in terms of profits. Speaking during a lecture on gender, migration and human trafficking, hosted by the Asian ...

How many of you have set foot in Manila? Not too many, I suppose. Then, why don’t you try so that you’ll feel how it’s like to enjoy the fun out there, and join the restless shadows of the night. I bet you won’t regret it. Unlike any other megalopolis in this world, Manila portrays a unique character that is distinct from the rest of highly urbanized centers, where amenities and conveniences are just within reach. Besides, the value for every dollar that you spend is worth more than enough to get you somewhere. Add to this the Filipinos’ way of pampering their foreign guests with lasting hospitality and warmth smiles. The best to start your nightlife is through the stretch of Tomas Morato Avenue in Quezon City. This street was named after the former mayor of the city, where big shady trees, a variety of restaurants and videoke bars dot the streets. In Manila, try visiting the Ermita District. It is here where a variety of business establishments, ranging from restaurants, hotels, souve...

It is so absurd to hear that unsuspecting professionals, especially those in the medical profession, are now being manipulated to sow terror, if only to realize the evils that demonize hatred for innocent people who knew nothing about what's going on around the world. At this point in time, nobody knows who really is doing right. And isn't it enough for restless people to just be concentrated on what they are exercising at the moment, if only to be called a real devotee of God. In the first place, why bother to pester other people's lives with bombings and other forms of intimidation, introducing chaos in place of harmony and peace. But why? If this is happening now, there should only be two reasons why some people are inclined to love terrorizing other people's lives. The closest suspicion that anybody could guess is perhaps, religion and money. Religion is a very complicated issue to tackle. If everybody is given a chance to discourse, it would be an endless harangue ...

It is only in the Philippines, where the longest-running elections take place. And it is also where politics has become commercialized at the seams. Why not? With billions in countrywide development funds at the disposal of each legislator, who wouldn't be tempted to dip his hands in dirty politics? And the politics of dynasty seems to be getting into the fabric of society. It's not only insulting to the wisdom of others, who like the scions of traditional politicians, have keen sense of appetite to serve the public, but downright frustrating to have public officials running public offices at the expense of taxpayers' money without doing anything but to fatten their stomachs, cheating on public funds that are supposed to be for projects. From the way it looks, as if nobody else in the Philippines is capable of dispensing quality service and intelligence as those being done by those already in power. As if the only ones qualified to become politicians are the sons and daught...